Joe DeSimone bought the Railroad Pass Casino and has initial approval from gaming regulators to run the property. Joe DeSimone purchased the property from MGM Resorts International in April 2015, but could not participate in operating his new purchase due to a lack of casino license in his name. The Gaming Control Board stated DeSimone is a step closer to getting a license. He needs to go through the final process with the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Since the casino changed ownership, Marcus Suan has been running the casino for DeSimone. Suan will remain as the chief operating officer, once DeSimone has the appropriate gaming license.

DeSimone had no gaming experience when he purchased the property and told regulators he has found his time learning to gain the license rewarding and constructive. Already changes have been made to the casino, including a new paint job and re-roofing has already started.

Railroad Pass Casino is housed in an 84 year old building. DeSimone is making sure everything is to code and in great shape, so his investment will remain for many years.

Railroad Pass is located in Henderson close to Boulder City. It has been the longest run casino in Nevada having opened in 1931. It opened the same year gambling was legalized in the state.

MGM acquired the casino from Mandalay Resort Group back in 2005. They have sold three other casinos recently: Gold Strike located in Jean and just this week—Circus Circus and their share in Silver Legacy, both in Reno.